Debuted in the late ’80s, Costa’s Grand Catalina is back, with a retro look and the latest tech for on-water adventuring. Still sporting the heritage “glacier glasses” shape with a dash of aviator, Costa has updated the frame construction with its Pathfinder Series DNA—i.e., sweat management channels, vented adjustable nose pads and removable side shields.
With spring hinges and a wide frame fit, the Grand Catalina is perfect for those looking to blend style, performance and all-day comfort and protection.
Our tester Scott Parent demoed the Grand Catalinas (with the Blue Mirror lens) on a SUP mission on the Great Lakes as well as on a motor boat.
“I kept the side shields on my Grand Catalinas because I want protection from glare and reflection 24/7,” Scott reports. “They delivered that (no light seeping in) and stayed tight on my face without the need for straps (though I have used a Costa retainer while surfing). On my SUP I’m more concerned with eye fatigue, or sweat fogging me up during long summer days—these new Costas help a lot with both these issues. On my boat, I need to focus on shoal-spotting and the Grand Catalinas also excel here. I can see about a third more than what I used to with my old sunnies. This is game-changing for navigation in shallow water. Not to mention for spotting fishing holes.
I also love the fact that the whole construction is sustainable since cheap plastic sunglasses fall apart and sometimes end up in the water—and I hate that! Costa is leading the way with plant-based materials that are just as tough as petrochemical plastic.”
On-Water Lens Tech
On-Water Lens TechThe Grand Catalinas are available in six lens colours.
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